Beowulf Book Review & Analysis
Welcome to the first book review for The Classics Club. We read the epic poem, Beowulf, known to be the oldest written story in Old English. This version includes the Anglo-Saxon language next to a modern English translation by Seamus Heaney. The translator is a poet who influences the rhythm and syntax of Beowulf, making this not the most accurate of translations but most poetic. The author of this tale is unknown, as is the original date of composition, but it was first copied as early as the 11th century. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy the Beowulf book review and analysis! And please tell share with us in the comments if you enjoyed this story.
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"But death is not easily
escaped from by anyone:
all of us with souls, earth-dwellers
and children of men, must make our way
to a destination already ordained
where the body, after the banqueting,
sleeps on its deathbed."
Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney
A Book Review & Analysis
213 Pages | Classic Epic Poem | Translated by Seamus Heaney
2001 Norton paperback, Bilingual Edition
* This book review & analysis contains spoilers *
Summary
In this epic tale, we follow a Scandinavian hero who ventures to Denmark after hearing of the evil monster Grendel who torments The Danes every night in their mead-hall: Heorot. King Hrothgar welcomes Beowulf to vanquish the beast, and after his success, the monster's wicked mother takes her revenge. When Beowulf defeats her, he returns home and ascends to the Geats thrown after the king's son dies. Prosperously ruling for 50-years, as an old man, Beowulf's home is under attack by a dragon. Beowulf must once again fight for the people and against the evil of the world.
Structure & Theme
The diction isn’t difficult. However, you may find yourself looking up a few words that refer to that time period - enriching the experience and giving you a deeper understanding of the text.
For example, “thane” derives from Anglo-Saxon verbiage. Definition: land given to a man by a king or nobleman. (I definitely had to look that one up!)
In the introduction, Seamus Heaney explains his journey to completing this piece took nearly thirty-five years. He needed to feel confident in the translation and format before undertaking such a feat. Heaney found links through the Irish-English dialect, which allowed him to connect vernaculars. He says the languages (Irish, Scottish, and English) began to flow into "linguistic rivers".
As a poet, he wanted Beowulf to be lyrical. He states he was guided by "four stresses to the line", but didn't always stick to it if it didn't work.
"... I have been reluctant to force an artificial shape or an unusual word choice just for the sake of correctness."
Introduction to Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney
The format is a poem, partnered with the Old English syntax. I often found myself comparing the dialect, which was fascinating and humorous when trying to pronounce. Referring to the older language felt timeless; it reminded me how powerful stories are because they carry on through generations to inspire - they are one of earth's greatest magic tricks. Holding the book in my hands felt as if it were immortal; I roamed through generations while reading this tale - the story lives on through each curious patron.
Theme
Mortality vs. Glory
Bravery
Mortality vs. Glory
Beowulf is a reminder of a time when people were more connected to the earth and God. This story carries Christian theology through the narrator and characters. The connection to a belief system gives the characters moral values, courage against the unknown, and presence. Beowulf faces the abyss when he pledges to destroy monsters while Grendel and his mother are referred to as the banished creature part of Cain's tribe. This compares them as symbols for good vs. evil.
Beowulf lives a code of heroism, but it's a double-edged sword because this value forces him to put his mortality on the line every time he fights against a foe. He desires to find glory and believes every warrior should before their death.
Beowulf says,
“‘For every one of us, living in this world
means waiting for our end. Let whoever can
win glory before death. When a warrior is gone,
that will be his best and only bulwark.’”
Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney
After Beowulf's victory against Grendel's mother, he brings her son's head back to the kingdom, sharing with the people his mighty valor. King Hrothgar heeds a warning and compares Beowulf with another valiant warrior who held onto his deep obsession for power, which lead to his destruction.
“He [God] permits him to lord it in many lands
until the man in his unthinkingness
forgets that it will ever end for him.’”
Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney
What sets Beowulf apart is his acknowledgment of his mortality. He understands life’s fragility and the importance to veer away from pride because his death is ultimately out of his control. Beowulf tends to be boastful with a thirst for glory, but each time he steps into an arena with evil monsters, he holds near the knowledge that the outcome is in God’s hands. He claims that “victory is decided by God'' during the battle with Grendel's mother deep into the depths of the cavern they fight. This setting represents life; Beowulf venturing into the unknown and fighting against the suffering and dark evil of the world.
Bravery
Fast forward fifty years, and Beowulf is still battling evil after ruling his own kingdom in peace. A dragon wreaks havoc on his people because a man stole gold from its chamber. Beowulf is an old man but still feels the need to protect the grounds because he is the king. He also believes his courage will bring glory and the gold back to the realm.
During the battle with the dragon, Wiglaf represents bravery - he stays to fight alongside Beowulf while others cower away. Some people simply are brave and willing to fight against the evil in the world. And Beowulf has been a symbol for it- a legend for bravery because his actions are honorable, and show the value of standing against evil. The torch then is passed to Wiglaf. He transcends his peers and becomes the next hero, and before he fights, he calls to his fellow men,
“‘As God is my witness,
I would rather my body were robbed in the same
burning blaze as my gold-giver’s body
than go back home bearing arms.
That is unthinkable, unless we have first
slain the foe of the Weather-Geats. I well know
the things he [Beowulf] has done for us deserve better.
Should he alone be left exposed
to fall in battle? We must bond together,
shield and helmet, mail-shirt and sword.’”
Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney
Within this battle, Beowulf feels the end of fighting evil is near. In the introduction of the poem, the translator believes the dragon is a metaphor for his physical and spiritual death. It's Beowulf's grim reaper because the other monsters he fought were outside forces brought upon him, while the dragon dwelled within the realm. This story tells us of the ripples that carry through time and why people fight against the evil of this world. Stand and fight with Beowulf.
Afterthoughts & Rating
I loved this tale. It’s an overview of life as a hero and the importance of fighting against evil. Seamus Heaney’s version is said to be more poetic than others, so I am intrigued to explore and compare. Let me know if you would like to see another translated review of Beowulf.
Beowulf is a wonderful story about honor, bravery, and mortality.
Rating: ★★★★
"Whoever remains
for long here in this earthly life
will enjoy and endure more than enough."
Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney
If you haven’t seen the 2007 movie adaptation of this epic poem, I highly recommend it. In some ways, it links emotional and humane reasons why Beowulf battles because it is difficult to understand why he wants to put himself into danger so often. This aspect of the story makes it feel solely plot driven; we go on a journey with the main character fighting beasts for no emotional reason other than wanting to find glory. I'm keeping into perspective the era it's written in; although different time periods, many men had a thirst for it's immortal essence, Alexander the Great is the perfect example.
Men were proud to be warriors and fight against evil for the greater good because of their values, religious reasons, etc. And many of them wanted to find glory.
If you're interested, check out the trailer for the 2007 adaptation I mentioned! Rated: PG-13
After Reading Questions:
After reading, tell us your reflections on Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf.
What do you think Grendel and his mother represent?
A minstrel performs a song in Heorot after Beowulf slays Grendel. What are your thoughts on it?
Do you feel Seamus Heaney's alteration to the diction takes away from the original story or adds to it?
